Bonjour Lyon 👋

🇫🇷 Learn French in Lyon – language & cultural immersion

Logo of French in Lyon language school in blue, red, and gold on a black background, offering French courses by Glotte-Trotters.

Welcome to Lyon – a city of history, culture & gastronomy

Welcome to Lyon,  the perfect place to learn French in Lyon while enjoying its world-class gastronomy, rich history, and cultural immersion opportunities. Our French language school in Lyon offers immersive French experience for all levels.

A UNESCO world heritage city and the culinary capital of France

 From the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon to the vibrant markets and world-renowned cuisine, Lyon is a city that inspires at every turn. Whether you’re here to master French or experience the charm of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, —discover our tailor-made French training in Lyon to suit your pace and goals.

Scenic view of Lyon’s old town with colorful buildings and the Saône river – Learn French in Lyon

Ready to master French in France’s culinary capital?

Our French school in Lyon – more than a classroom

Modern classroom at a French language school in Lyon with U-shaped desks and a large screen

Our school is more than just a classroom; it’s a gateway to authentic French culture. Located in the heart of Lyon’s vibrant Part-Dieu district, our unique setting blends warmth and tradition, creating an immersive learning experience. But learning doesn’t stop in the classroom.

Learning beyond the classroom

Our lessons extend beyond the school walls, into the city’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and iconic spots, transforming Lyon into a living language lab where students practice their French in real-life situations. Hear from our students who mastered French while exploring Lyon’s culture! Read our students success stories on our blog page.

Study in Lyon’s business & cultural hub

Known as the city’s business and shopping hub, Part-Dieu is also a dynamic cultural center with a diverse range of activities and attractions.

From our neighbourhood, it’s easy to explore the city and immerse yourself in French culture.  From the towering Tour Part-Dieu to the lively Place Bellecour, there’s always something to see and do.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or gastronomy, you’ll find it all in Lyon. And with our school’s convenient location, you’ll be able to experience the best of the city firsthand.

Our French school in Lyon offers a welcoming, immersive environment in the heart of the city. See how we help you succeed DELF or DALF exams.

Choosing to learn French in Lyon allows you to explore both language and culture in one of France’s most vibrant cities.

Equestrian statue of Louis XIV on Place Bellecour in historic Lyon with Fourvière hill in the background – French language school in Lyon

Getting around Lyon – a well-connected city

Gallo-Roman theatre of Lugdunum in Lyon – location of outdoor French language workshops
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon at sunset – a cultural landmark near our French immersion school
Historic bridge and Fourvière hill in Lyon – ideal setting for immersion French courses and study abroad students

When you learn French in Lyon, you benefit from excellent public transportation, a rich cultural calendar, and many local traditions like gastronomy, silk weaving, and cinema.

Metro, tram & bus

Lyon has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. The TCL network includes metro, tram, bus, and funicular lines. Our school is conveniently located near several metro and tram stops, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

Vélo’v – explore like a local

Want to explore Lyon in the most authentic way? Rent a Vélo’v bike and ride through the city’s vibrant streets, riverside paths, and historic neighborhoods. With over 5,000 bikes and 400 stations, Vélo’v makes it easy to navigate the city at your own pace. Where will your cycling adventure take you?

Lyon Part-Dieu & Perrache train stations

Lyon has two main train stations: Part-Dieu and Perrache. Part-Dieu is a major transportation hub with connections to cities throughout France and Europe. Perrache is located in the city center and is well-connected to public transportation.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport

Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport is located about 25 kilometers from the city center. You can reach the airport by train, bus, or taxi.

The riverside quays of the Saône in Lyon – perfect environment for international students in French immersion programs

From Roman ruins to Renaissance wonders

The city is known for its Roman and medieval architecture, as well as its Renaissance and Baroque buildings. There are many museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore. Lyon is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are many parks, gardens, and hiking trails nearby.

Golden gate of Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon – a peaceful spot for French immersion activities and outdoor language practice
View of Fourvière Basilica and the Law Court of Lyon reflecting in the Saône River – Study French in a city full of history and beauty
The majestic Hôtel-Dieu of Lyon at sunset, a landmark by the Rhône River – Learn French in the heart of the city
Bronze statue surrounded by vibrant spring flowers in Lyon’s Tête d’Or Park – Learn French in a peaceful natural setting

Insider secrets – hidden gems of Lyon

Lyon is a city steeped in history, and the Vieux Lyon district is a prime example. With its narrow, winding streets and Renaissance architecture, it’s easy to feel transported back in time. But there’s one secret that few tourists know about: the traboules.

The Traboules – Lyon’s hidden passageways

These hidden passageways wind their way through the buildings, connecting courtyards and streets. Some traboules are centuries old, and they offer a unique glimpse into Lyon’s past. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a secret garden or two.
Gothic-style traboule with vaulted arches and Renaissance windows in Old Lyon – Explore French history on foot
Cobbled street in Old Lyon with traditional bouchons and warm lights on a rainy day – perfect spot to discover French cuisine
Pedestrians walking along a lively cobbled street in Old Lyon lined with restaurants, bookshops and boutiques
Small local theatre in Old Lyon with colourful façade and posters, promoting French shows and comedy events
Traditional Lyon quenelle of pike with Nantua sauce, served in a white plate

Cooking workshops – master Lyon’s culinary delights

During your French language course, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture in a unique way: through cooking workshops! You can learn to prepare traditional Lyonnaise dishes like quenelles, a delicate dumpling made with pike, or cervelle de canut, a creamy cheese spread. If you’re not feeling up to cooking, you can always taste these delicacies at a local restaurant.  Either way, you’re sure to have a delicious and unforgettable experience.
 
Gourmet verrine starter served in a glass with herbs and cream, typical of French cuisine in Lyon

Cultural experiences while learning French in Lyon

If you want to learn French in Lyon while fully experiencing French culture, our immersion programs offer the perfect combination of high-quality teaching and real-life practice.

La Fête des Lumières – a magical experience

Imagine Lyon transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light and color! Every December, the city comes alive with the Fête des Lumières, a magical festival that illuminates the streets, squares, and historic buildings. From breathtaking light installations to mesmerizing projections, this enchanting event captures the hearts of visitors and locals alike. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and creativity of Lyon.

Spectacular video mapping on Lyon City Hall during the Festival of Lights

The silk tradition – a legacy of craftsmanship

Lyon has a long and rich history of silk and textile production.  The city’s silk industry began in the 15th century, and Lyon soon became one of the most important centers of silk production in Europe. Today, Lyon is still home to many silk and textile manufacturers, and the city’s silk and textile traditions are celebrated at the annual Fête des Lumières. During the festival, the city’s buildings are illuminated with stunning light displays, and many of the displays feature silk and textile designs.

Close-up of a traditional Jacquard loom with shuttles and colored threads for tapestry weaving
Weaver operating a traditional Jacquard loom in a Lyon silk workshop

For even more ideas on what to see and do in Lyon, check out the official Lyon tourist office for updated cultural events, attractions, and insider tips.

Lyon – the birthplace of cinema

Lyon has a long history of film and cinema.  The Lumière brothers, who are considered to be the fathers of cinema, were born in Lyon. 

Today, Lyon is still a great place to watch movies. The Institut Lumière is home to a museum, a library, and a cinema.  It is a great place to learn about the history of cinema and to watch classic and contemporary films. 

Lyon also has a number of other cinemas. By the way, we often organize outings to the cinema to help our students practice their listening skills. After the movie, we discuss it in class the next day. This is a great way for students to improve their language skills and learn about French culture. 

 The most famous film festival is the Festival Lumière, which is held every October. The Festival Lumière is a celebration of the history of cinema, and it features screenings of classic and contemporary films.

Official logo of the Festival Lumière, Grand Lyon Film Festival

Traditional sports & outdoor activities

Lyon is known for its unique cultural traditions, and one of them is the sport of boules lyonnaises. This traditional game is similar to pétanque, but it has some key differences. In boules lyonnaises, players use larger, heavier balls and aim for a smaller target. The game is played on a raised court, which adds an extra challenge. Our students have the opportunity to practice this sport and experience a piece of Lyon’s heritage.

And for those who love skiing, there are several ski resorts located just a short drive from Lyon. With a bit of planning, you can easily spend a day or weekend on the slopes. 

Panoramic winter view of Chamrousse with snow-covered pine trees and alpine mountains
Group of smiling young people with snowboards on a ski trip near Lyon, France

Day trips while you learn French in Lyon

Pérouges – a medieval village frozen in time

Visit the medieval village of Pérouges: this charming village is just a short drive from Lyon and is a great place to explore the history and culture of the region. You can wander through the narrow streets, admire the medieval architecture, and visit the local shops and restaurants. 

Medieval stone houses and cobbled streets in Pérouges, near Lyon, France
Ready to raise a glass (or two) of Beaujolais with us in a Lyon bouchon? Join our French courses!
 

Outdoor adventures near Lyon

Take a day trip to Annecy:  This picturesque town is located on the shores of Lake Annecy, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can rent a boat, go swimming, or simply stroll along the lakefront. 

Charming canal with colorful houses and café terraces in Annecy, near Lyon, France

Beaujolais wine tours

Take a day trip to the Beaujolais region:  This wine-growing region is famous for its red wines, and it’s a great place to go for a wine tasting or a picnic.  You can also visit the charming villages of Oingt and Beaujeu. 

Charming stone houses in the medieval village of Oingt near Lyon, France

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